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Any experience with a Life Vest?
My 47-year old husband is currently on his 9th day in what will likely end up to be an 11-day hospital visit. EF of 10%. He was diagnosed with congestive heart failure about 6 weeks ago after several months of misdiagnosis.
His doctor mentioned the possibility of his getting a Life Vest until he is eligible for ICD in 3 months. Does anybody have any experience with this? I am not sure if it's covered by our insurance or not, and if it's not, we would not be able to afford it without withdrawing from retirement funds or charging on credit cards (about $3K per month to rent, from what I can see). I see some mixed reviews on their effectiveness.
His doctor mentioned the possibility of his getting a Life Vest until he is eligible for ICD in 3 months. Does anybody have any experience with this? I am not sure if it's covered by our insurance or not, and if it's not, we would not be able to afford it without withdrawing from retirement funds or charging on credit cards (about $3K per month to rent, from what I can see). I see some mixed reviews on their effectiveness.
WHAT did you do to get your EF up? I was just diagnosed a month ago and have 25 as my EF.
I have no insur until March. Would love to raise my number.
Blood pressure meds keeping fluid off - lost 27 lbs in 3 weeks.
Doing great watching sodium intake.
What else can I do to help me and avoid surgeries, etc?
I have no insur until March. Would love to raise my number.
Blood pressure meds keeping fluid off - lost 27 lbs in 3 weeks.
Doing great watching sodium intake.
What else can I do to help me and avoid surgeries, etc?
Wow, that is a big increase in EF! My husband goes in for another echo next week. He is aiming to have an ER high enough to not need either vest or ICD, but I wasn't hopeful for that large of an increase. But sounds like it is possible!
Insurance sent us a denial letter, but Zoll and doctor's office are appealing.
Insurance sent us a denial letter, but Zoll and doctor's office are appealing.
I have ben wearing one for 4 month now. I have had no problems with it. In fact I have become somewhat used to having it on to the point that when it is not on I feel weird. It has never gone off in anger so I can't vouch for their effectiveness. I got mine after being admitted to the hospital on April 3rd with an EF of 5% and a 195 HR. My EP told me I couldn't leave without it. The Zoll people are great to work with. My insurance paid for the first three month, but are haggling over paying for the next two. We are hoping by October I will not need either the vest or the ICD. My EF at my last echo on July was back up to 30% and my heart rate seems to be well controlled at this time.
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